Gerdemann skips nationals

Linus Gerdemann of Team Milram has decided to skip the road race German national championships on Sunday, in Cottbus. Gerdemann has instead flown to Mallorca for some last-minute training prior to the start of the Tour de France, on July 4.

“He preferred to do some light training there, and then will join the team,” a team spokesman told the dpa press agency.

The Milram captain had a disappointing Tour de Suisse, finishing 41st overall and struggling on climbs. In May, Gerdemann won the overall classification at Bayern Rundfahrt, without winning any individual stages.

This year's Tour de France will be Gerdemann's second attempt at the grande boucle. In 2007, while riding for T-Mobile, he won a stage and wore the leader's yellow jersey for one day.